Explaining Creativity

The Science of Human Innovation

R. Keith Sawyer

Features a unique interdisciplinary approach that incorporates psychology, anthropology, and sociology

Reviews recent experimental studies in cognitive neuroscience, using brain imaging technology that reveals the brain at work during creative tasks

Each chapter concludes with suggested readings for those who are interested in exploring the topics of the chapters further

Key concepts and thought-provoking questions for reflection are highlighted throughout

New to this Edition:

New chapters on neuroscience, insight, organizational creativity, creativity in education, and creativity research

A complete bibliographical guide to the field of creativity

Explaining Creativity

The Science of Human Innovation

Second Edition

R. Keith Sawyer

Description

Explaining Creativity is an accessible introduction to the latest scientific research on creativity. The book summarizes and integrates a broad range of research in psychology and related scientific fields. In the last 40 years, psychologists, anthropologists, and sociologists have devoted increased attention to creativity; we now know more about creativity than at any point in history. Explaining Creativity considers not only arts like painting and writing, but also science, stage performance, business innovation, and creativity in everyday life.

Sawyer's approach is interdisciplinary. In addition to examining psychological studies on creativity, he draws on anthropologists' research on creativity in non-Western cultures, sociologists' research on the situations, contexts, and networks of creative activity, and cognitive neuroscientists' studies of the brain. He moves beyond the individual to consider the social and cultural contexts of creativity, including the role of collaboration in the creative process.

The field of creativity researchAppendix F: Important creativity researchersAppendix G: Colleges and universities with a degree or certificate in creativityAppendix H: Professional associations and conferences

References

Explaining Creativity

The Science of Human Innovation

Second Edition

R. Keith Sawyer

Author Information

R. Keith Sawyer, a professor of psychology, education, and business at Washington University in St. Louis, is one of the world's leading scientific experts on creativity. He combines this scientific expertise with a strong hands-on background in real-world creativity. After receiving his computer science degree from MIT in 1982, he began his career with a two-year stint designing videogames for Atari. In 1990, Dr. Sawyer began his doctoral studies in psychology, studying creativity with Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Dr. Sawyer has also been a jazz pianist for over 20 years, and spent several years playing piano with Chicago improv theater groups.

Contributors:

NA

Explaining Creativity

The Science of Human Innovation

Second Edition

R. Keith Sawyer

Reviews and Awards

"R. Keith Sawyer's second edition of Explaining Creativity: The Science of Human Innovation is so expanded that it is a truly different book from the first edition. The first edition was (correctly) praised and appreciated; the second edition is required reading for anyone interested in the topic. In a just world, Sawyer's thorough and nuanced volume would be the best seller... Sawyer's book is easily the most thorough creativity text on the market." -- James C. Kaufman and Alexandra S. McKay, PsycCRITIQUES